Self-Care for Headaches
Most headaches aren't serious and can be relieved with self-care. But some headaches may be a sign of another health problem like eye trouble or high blood pressure. To find the best treatment, learn what kind of headaches you get. For tension headaches, self-care will usually help. To treat migraines, ask your doctor for advice. It is also possible to get both tension and migraine headaches. Self-care involves relieving the pain and avoiding headache “triggers” if you can.
Ways to Reduce Pain and Tension
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Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the pain site.
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Drink fluids. If nausea makes it hard to drink, try sucking on ice.
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Rest. Protect yourself from bright light and loud noises.
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Calm your emotions by imagining a peaceful scene.
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Massage tight neck, shoulder, and head muscles.
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To relax muscles, soak in a hot bath or use a hot shower.
Use Medications
Aspirin or aspirin substitutes, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can relieve headache. Remember: Never give aspirin to anyone 18 or younger.
Track Your Headaches
Keeping a headache diary can help you and your doctor identify what's causing your headaches.
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Note when each headache occurs.
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Identify your activities and the foods you've eaten
6–8 hours before the headache began. -
Look for any trends or "triggers."
Signs of Tension Headache
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Dull pain or feeling of pressure in a tight band around your head
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Pain in your neck or shoulders
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Headache without a definite beginning or end
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Headache after an activity such as driving or working on a computer
Signs of Migraine
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Throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head
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Nausea or vomiting
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Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
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Bright spots, flashes, or other visual changes
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Pain or nausea so severe that you can't continue your daily activities
Call Your Doctor If You Have:
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A headache that lingers after a recent injury or bump to the head.
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A fever with a stiff neck or pain when you bend your head toward your chest.
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A headache along with slurred speech, changes in your vision, or numbness or weakness in your arms or legs.
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A headache for longer than
3 days. -
Headaches often, especially in the morning.
